The Worst Witch at the Royal & Derngate, Northampton.
Photograph: Manuel Harlan

The Worst Witch

Jill Murphy’s stories have sold more than 5m copies worldwide and been made into numerous screen adaptations. Now Mildred Hubble, in her final year at Miss Cackle’s Academy for Witches, comes to the stage in a new play by Emma Reeves, directed by Theresa Heskins. It’s at the Royal & Derngate, Northampton, until 30 December, then tours nationwide.

Swan Lake

Having accumulated more than 30 international awards, including an Olivier and three Tonys, Matthew Bourne’s all-male reimagining of Tchaikovsky’s ballet is back with a new look. This Christmas it returns to London’s Sadler’s Wells, where it premiered in 1995, until 27 January, before touring nationwide until May.

The Cat in the Hat

“I know it is wet and the sun is not sunny, but we can have lots of good fun that is funny.” Originally adapted by Katie Mitchell and created in association with the National Centre for Circus Arts, this production of Dr Seuss’s rhyming story promises circus-inspired moves and original songs. Catch it at The Curve, Leicester, until 12 January.

The Box of Delights

John Masefield’s children’s classic was first published in 1935, preceding the likes of Narnia and Harry Potter with its tales of supernatural powers and magical elixirs. Piers Torday’s 2017 adaptation returns to Wilton’s Music Hall, London, until 5 January. Expect flying cars and fiery phoenixes.

The Scarlet Pimpernel

Revolutionary Paris is brought to life in this comedic take on Baroness Orczy’s 1905 novel, with added songs and outrageous costumes. This new production promises extravagant wigs, elaborate disguises and lots and lots of poodles. The Egg, Theatre Royal Bath, until 13 January.

Hansel and Gretel

Humperdinck and his librettist sister Adelheid’s children’s play-turned-opera, in a new production by Antony McDonald. Sebastian Weigle conducts, with Hanna Hipp and Jennifer Davis as the children and Gerhard Siegel as the witch. Royal Opera House, London; in rep from Tuesday until 29 December.

The Borrowers

Bristol’s Tobacco Factory will be transformed into a giant adventure playground for this adaptation of Mary Norton’s much-loved 1952 classic about a family of tiny people who live in the walls of a house and “borrow” from the big people. Nik Partridge directs, with an original script by Bea Robert. Until 20 January.

A Christmas Carol

David Edgar’s adaptation of Dickens’s festive tale of redemption is at the Royal Shakespeare theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon, until 20 January. It’s one of many outings for Scrooge and co around the country, including London’s Old Vic (hugely recommended; includes bell ringing), Bristol Old Vic and Liverpool’s Everyman Playhouse.

The Snowman

The animated film of Raymond Briggs’s classic picture book will be accompanied live by the Hallé orchestra performing Howard Blake’s score at Manchester’s Bridgewater Hall on 15 and 16 December. Meanwhile, the all-dancing version of the story returns to the Peacock theatre, London, for its 21st year.

Beauty and the Beast

Laurence Boswell’s adaptation of the fairytale, originally written for the Young Vic in 1996, comes to the Lake District in a production directed by Chris Honer, with original music by Olly Fox. Theatre by the Lake, Keswick, until 12 January.

Golden Age of Circus

After a successful run at the Paris Theatre in Las Vegas, Circus 1903 makes its European premiere on the Southbank. Featuring acrobats, trapeze artists and life-size elephants created by Handspring Puppet Company (War Horse). Royal Festival Hall, London, 19 December-5 January.

Sleeping Beauty

Built in 1788, the Theatre Royal in Richmond, Yorkshire, is Britain’s most complete Georgian playhouse. This Christmas, it’s home to a pantomime production of Sleeping Beauty: expect catchy songs and impressive visual effects. Until 13 January.

This article was amended on 11 November 2018 to correct spelling of Tameka Empson’s name.